Let's talk about Verticals

Michaela Bergmann

5.0 (1)
After Shows
Updated Semiweekly

A Podcast with people who are part in the vertical industry, whether actors, producers, directors, fans, streaming platforms, etc. Everyone is welcome to talk with me about the big, wide world of verticals. About life with and in this world, its bright and dark sides. Be excited for wonderful real talk paired with humor, charm but the necessary seriousness 🎙️

13h ago

120 - Cosette Hatch - Roles, Realities, Gratitude & Emergency PB&Js...

From competitive figure skating ⛸️ to acting, screenwriting, directing and producing 🎬, Cosette Hatch has followed a truly multifaceted path through the entertainment industry. As a former member of the US Figure Skating Team, she learned early on about discipline, resilience and teamwork—qualities that continue to shape her work as an actress today. In this episode, Cosette takes us back to the beginning of her acting journey and talks about her experiences in both Vertical and Horizontal productions 📱🎥. She explains what makes the two formats different for an actor—and why she sometimes deeply misses the Horizontal project she worked on last October. Cosette also gives us honest and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into life on set 🎭. Not every experience is always as wonderful as it may appear from the outside, but she also shares what she is genuinely grateful for and why communication, respect and collaboration matter so much during a production. 🙏 And, of course, food becomes part of our conversation too 🍴: Why does Cosette usually carry an emergency peanut butter and jelly sandwich with her for professional reasons? 🥜🍓🥪 How did we discover our shared love of food and officially leave the recording as newly established Food Buddies? Cosette also shares an important wish for the audience ❤️ and reminds us that there is always a real person behind every character we see on screen. Join us for a warm, honest and entertaining conversation about acting, creativity, set life, gratitude—and the unexpected importance of always having an emergency PB&J sandwich nearby. 🎙️✨ Some Verticals with Cosette Hatch The Christmas Twin Miracle (Stardust) Sorority Heiress Takes Her Throne (FlareFlow) Napolitana for the Mafia Boss (SHRT) Love Landed with the Amnesiac Heir (Playlet) My Runaway Fiancé Became My Bodyguard (Kalos TV) #podcast #verticals #community #bts #new
3d ago

119 - Richard Trotter - From the Playing Field to the Film Set...

Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Richard Trotter spent his childhood and early adult years immersed in sports. ⚾️⛳️ He played baseball at college level and competed professionally in golf before shifting his focus to acting almost five years ago. Today, Richard loves the variety that acting offers and the opportunity to step into completely different characters. For him, being well prepared is just as important as creating an environment in which everyone on set feels comfortable and respected. 🎬 He also believes that certain characters deserve a little more background story to make their actions, emotions, and development truly believable. Richard values open and honest feedback about his performances because, in his eyes, it is the only way to keep learning, improving, and growing as an actor. Of course, we also take a closer look at the audience’s perspective: How does the audience feel about AI-generated Verticals and characters? What does a story need to truly pull viewers in and keep them emotionally invested? And what can feel particularly weird or unrealistic—especially when it comes to sports or cooking Verticals? 🤔⚾️👨‍🍳 A wonderfully honest conversation about sports, passion, emotions, personal growth, and the little details that can make—or break—a story. Tune in and enjoy! 🎧✨ Some Verticals with Richard Trotter: Pregnant with My Nemesis (TikTok) Your Love Broke My Heart (Reelshort) Sinful Nights with My Exs Uncle (Playlet) An Embrace from the Ashes (Dramapops) Reborn to Love the Alpha King (Dramabox) #podcast #verticals #community #bts #new
5d ago

118 - July Recap - Highlights, Heartbeats & Disappointments 🎙️✨

The second half of the year is already in full swing — and we’re delighted that July brought us several fantastic live-acted Verticals! Naturally, that means it’s time to get together for another Monthly Recap and discuss everything that happened over the past month. Want to know which performances made our hearts beat faster — and which Verticals frustrated or disappointed us? Then you definitely won’t want to miss this conversation! Joining the discussion: Michaela (Host) — @lets_talk_about_verticalsAline — @i.love.verticalsDalia — @verticalfilmsloverShikha Dia — @verticalviewweeklyCaitlyn — @verticaitOur Monthly Recap gives you direct insight into the audience’s perspective: what truly stood out — and what definitely didn’t. This month’s categories: 🎭 Actor/Actress of the Month🎬 Supporting Role of the Month💫 Chemistry of the Month🏆 Vertical of the Month💩 Crap/Disappointment of the Month As always, we keep the discussion open, honest, and unfiltered — celebrating everything we love about the Vertical industry while also highlighting where there is clear room for improvement. A refreshingly entertaining yet critically reflective conversation you won’t want to miss. 🎙️✨ Enjoy listening!#podcast #community #new #verticals
Aug 1

117 - John Palmer - Music, Food & Vertical Dreams...

🎙️ In this episode, I’m joined by the absolutely wonderful John Palmer—also known as John Palmer Edwards! 🎬✨ With experience in theatre, traditional film projects, and a growing list of Vertical dramas, John has already brought many different characters to life. We had a wonderfully fun, honest, and thoughtful conversation about acting, John’s journey into the world of Verticals, and why he loves bringing characters and stories to life so much. We also dive headfirst into the world of music 🎶, reveal some of our personal favorites, exchange random fun facts 🤓, and brainstorm the Vertical stories that absolutely still need to be brought to our screens! 💡🎥 A little warning: if you don’t want to be starving by the end of this episode, you should definitely have something to eat nearby! 🌮🍕🍝 We talk—a lot—about food, John’s potential European food trip ✈️🌍, and why music and food might just be the two things capable of saving the world. 🎶🍽️❤️ But how did John end up turning the tables and surprising me with his very own “5 Question Quickie”? 🔥5️⃣ And what else did this wonderful human and I find ourselves discussing, questioning, laughing about, and philosophizing over? Grab a snack, get comfortable, and join us for a funny, warm, wonderfully honest, and delightfully unpredictable conversation! 🎧✨ Some Verticals with John Palmer: Offside (Dramawave) How to Break My Best Friend Dad (Vigloo) Ex’s Mafia Daddy wants me bad (Dramabox) The Photo That Changed Everything (Reelshort) For Richer, for Poorer (Dramabox) #podcast #verticals #community #bts #new
Jul 29

116 - Irvin Gelb - Brands, Budgets & AI: The Next Era of Vertical Drama...

In this episode, I’m joined by visionary and talent manager Irvin Gelb @irvingelbmedia for an insightful and forward-thinking conversation about the current state - and future potential - of the vertical drama industry. 🎬📱We discuss why it is so important for producers, platforms, and creatives to truly listen to their audience and understand what viewers actually want to see. What developments and changes are needed to improve storytelling, create more diverse and compelling narratives, and help the industry continue to evolve?Irvin also shares his perspective on the opportunities within the vertical market and the future of product placement. How can brands be integrated into stories in a natural and authentic way - and could brand partnerships help bring larger budgets, higher production values, and greater creative possibilities to vertical productions? 💡📈Of course, we also dive into one of the industry’s biggest current topics: artificial intelligence. We explore how AI can be used responsibly and meaningfully to support productions and creative processes, while also addressing the areas in which it may currently pose a growing threat to creatives, talent, and the industry itself. 🤖A fascinating conversation about audiences, storytelling, innovation, financing, AI, and what the next chapter of vertical entertainment could look like. 🚀#podcast #new #community #vertical #bts
Jul 25

115 - Trinity Johnston - The Person Behind the mostly bullied roles...

🎙️✨ In this episode, I’m joined by the wonderful vertical actress Trinity Johnston! We talk about her journey into acting, her experiences within the fast-paced world of vertical dramas, and what audiences don’t always see behind the finished production. Trinity shares her perspective on the opportunities and challenges that come with this unique format, the lessons she has learned along the way, and the kinds of roles she would love to explore in the future. 🎬 One topic that particularly stands out is the fact that Trinity has been bullied in almost every role she has played so far. But is it really that easy to simply shake off those intense scenes once the cameras stop rolling? We speak openly about the emotional impact of repeatedly portraying characters who are humiliated, mistreated, or bullied—and about what Trinity needs on set to feel safe and supported, allowing her to leave those experiences behind instead of taking them home with her. ❤️‍🩹 Of course, our conversation also goes beyond acting. We speak about the person behind the characters, her goals and dreams, and the moments that continue to inspire and motivate her. Honest, warm, and full of wonderful insights, this episode is the perfect opportunity to get to know Trinity Johnston beyond the screen. 💫 So, make yourself comfortable and join us for another open and personal conversation about acting, vertical dramas, life, and everything in between. 🎧🩷 Some Verticals with Trinity Johnston Heartbreak High: Revenge on My First Love (Dramabox) Keeping Secrets with the Rowing Captain (Dramabox) The Imperfect Marriage (Reelshort) Falling for My Nemesis Stepbrother (Reelshort) Sex Education by My Best Friend (Dramabox) #podcast #verticals #community #bts #new
Jul 22

114 - Aaron Oberst - The Nicest "Bad Guy" in Verticals...

🎬 What if one of the most intimidating men in Verticals is actually one of the kindest people you'll ever meet? This episode with Aaron Oberst is living proof that the dominant, arrogant, and often toxic characters he plays couldn't be further from who he really is. We have an honest and unfiltered conversation about what it's like to be repeatedly cast in these types of roles - and the mental and physical challenges that can come with portraying them. Aaron also shares the kinds of characters he'd love to play in the future, his thoughts on where the Vertical industry is heading, and why some overused tropes - especially those built around unnecessary violence and unrealistic storylines - have long overstayed their welcome. 🎭 Despite those frustrations, we also talk about why Verticals remain an incredible opportunity for actors to sharpen their craft, grow creatively, and continue developing their skills. 🌟 If you've watched Verticals, chances are you've seen Aaron playing a professor more than once. 👨‍🏫 Ironically, he almost became a real-life professor himself - just like I did. But which subjects would he have taught? Trust me... you'll never guess! 🤯 And if you're still not convinced that Aaron is absolutely nothing like the characters he plays—and is genuinely one of the warmest, funniest, and most down-to-earth people you'll meet—then you may just have to listen to this episode all over again. ❤️🎧 Some Verticals with Aaron Oberst: Died on His Wedding Day (Kalos TV) Dark Notes (Reelshort) Pregnant by My Professor, Chased by His Son (Dramabox) Mafias Caged Swan (Dramapops) The Maid Did It (Shortical) #podcast #verticals #community #bts #new
Jul 18

113 - Liv Kirby - Chasing Dreams Across the World...

In the new Episode of Let’s talk about Verticals I’m joined by the wonderful Australian actress Liv Kirby! 🇦🇺✨ As a young adult, Liv made the bold decision to leave Australia and move to New York to pursue her dreams. Since then, her journey through the world of vertical dramas has taken her to filming locations all over the world and has helped her grow not only as an actress, but also as a person. 🎬🌍 In this episode, we talk about her career, the lessons she's learned along the way, and how stepping outside of her comfort zone has shaped both her professional and personal life. 🌱✨ And of course, we couldn't resist talking about dogs! 🐶❤️ As proud dog moms (Liv has two adorable dogs herself), we also chat about our love for our four-legged companions, life beyond the camera, and the dreams and goals that continue to inspire us. This is an honest, warm, and inspiring conversation about following your dreams, embracing change, and enjoying the journey. 💫 🎧 Grab your favorite drink, sit back, and join us for a wonderful conversation with Liv Kirby! Some Verticals with Liv Kirby: Mr. & Mrs. Adams Behind the Masks (Dramabox) I Can Do It with a Broken Heart (Kalos TV) His Perfect Little Lie (Kalos TV) How to Break My Best Friend Dad (Vigloo) Forbidden Desire: The CEO's Secret Temptation (Kalos TV) #podcast #verticals #community #bts #new

A Podcast with people who are part in the vertical industry, whether actors, producers, directors, fans, streaming platforms, etc. Everyone is welcome to talk with me about the big, wide world of verticals. About life with and in this world, its bright and dark sides. Be excited for wonderful real talk paired with humor, charm but the necessary seriousness 🎙️

Creator

Michaela Bergmann
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

121
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Michaela Bergmann
Show Website

Let's talk about Verticals